Moilwa’s lens focus on local youth empowerment
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday August 18, 2025 06:00
As the world prepares to commemorate World Photography Day on August 19, Arts&Culture writer, GOITSEMODIMO KAELO, shines light on Karabo LeBronpeter Moilwa, a Storytelling Coordinator of the Nkashi Trust, who is at the forefront of this movement With a background in wildlife photography and experience working in the safari industry, Moilwa has dedicated himself to sharing the stories of the Delta’s communities, wildlife, and landscapes through a local lens. Moilwa ‘s passion for storytelling stems from his belief that those who live in the Delta are best equipped to capture its essence, hence he joined Nkashi Trust, a local non-profit and the Botswana partner for the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project. “I come from a mining background, which I left to pursue my passion for wildlife photography. I have worked as a photographic host and instructor for guests in the safari industry, guiding them to capture Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes. When I transitioned into the conservation space, I felt it was important to share my knowledge with disadvantaged youth in the Okavango Delta, and my dream is to take this work all over Botswana. I want young people in rural Botswana to take ownership of their narratives. Our culture, knowledge, and environment should be documented by those who live it every day,” Moilwa said. He added that the vision has given rise to the Nkashi Trust’s Storytelling Clubs, which provide free training, cameras, and mentorship to young people from Delta communities. Moilwa said the Storytelling Clubs have become a beacon of empowerment, particularly for young women and individuals with disabilities. With over 30 young female photographers across various cohorts, the program is fostering a sense of inclusivity and equality. These participants, he explained, learn valuable skills in photography, storytelling, and editing, which not only boost their confidence but also equip them with tools to share their stories with the world. “Some members have gone on to earn income from their photography. Others have attended international forums such as NEWF Congress, the signature annual gathering of Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF). This event brings together storytellers and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and expand their networks,” he said. However, Moilwa said the true impact of the program lies in its ability to inspire pride in local communities and showcase the talent that exists in even the smallest villages of the Delta. Moilwa noted that the Delta is one of the most photographed places in the world, yet too often, the people who live there are not behind the camera. “That’s what inspired the Storytelling Clubs at Nkashi Trust. We provide free training, cameras, and mentorship to young people from Delta communities. They learn how to identify a story, capture it visually, edit their work, and share it with the world. With support through Okavango Eternala partnership between National Geographic and De Beers that aims to create livelihood opportunities, we have also been able to scale and expand the clubs to reach more young people. We now have several cohorts,” he added. Moilwa's ultimate goal is to ensure that the next generation, especially young women and individuals with disabilities, know that their voices matter and their stories are worth telling. By empowering local voices and preserving cultural heritage, the Nkashi Trust’s Storytelling Clubs are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. As Moilwa aptly puts it, “Through storytelling, we can protect heritage, inspire pride in our communities, and show the world that talent exists everywhere.”